1.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
2.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
3.The Role of Platelet-Derived Zyxin in Promoting Tumor Migration
Meng-Nan YANG ; Shuang CHEN ; Li-Li ZHAO ; Kang-Xi ZHOU ; Rong YAN ; Ke-Sheng DAI ; Xin-Xin GE
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1708-1713
Objective:To investigate the role of platelet-derived zyxin in promoting tumor migration by platelets.Methods:The gene expression profile of platelets was analyzed from cancer patients by using the GEO database.Isolated platelets from wild-type(WT)and Zyx-/-mice were co-cultured with B16F10 cells labeled with green fluorescence to investigate the influence of zyxin deficiency on tumor cell migration,invasion,and wound healing.Optical microscopy was employed to evaluate the impact of zyxin deficiency on epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in B16F10 cells induced by platelets.Employing specific markers to label platelets,fluorescence confocal microscopy was utilized to investigate the impact of platelet-derived zyxin on the binding between tumor cells and platelets.And an aggregometer was employed to observe the influence of zyxin deficiency on tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation.Results:Compared to platelets from healthy volunteers,zyxin was upregulated in platelets from cancer patients.Zyx-/-mouse platelets exhibited a significant reduction in tumor cell invasion and migration,impaired wound healing,and delayed tumor cell EMT compared to WT mouse platelets.Additionally,zyxin deficiency attenuated the interaction between platelets and tumor cells,and diminished the capacity for tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation.Conclusion:Platelet-derived zyxin deficiency diminishes platelet-tumor cell interactions and weakens the ability of tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation,ultimately suppressing tumor cell migration.
4.Analysis of the influencing factors of early neurological deterioration and short-term prognosis in minor acute ischemic stroke patients
Longsheng CHU ; Xianjun HUANG ; Chenglei WANG ; Bohao WEI ; Yuepei GAO ; Ameng LI ; Ke YANG ; Junfeng XU ; Xianjin SHANG ; Zhiming ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;22(8):524-536
Objective To investigate the influencing factors associated with early neurological deterioration(END)in patients with minor acute ischemic stroke(mAIS),develop a clinical prediction model for END,and identify independent risk factors for 90-day neurological functional outcomes after stroke.Methods mAIS patients admitted consecutively to the Department of Neurology,Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College(the First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College),from July 2023 to July 2024 were retrospectively collected.A minor ischemic stroke was defined as acute ischemic stroke with a National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score≤5 on admission.Baseline,clinical,and imaging data of all mAIS patients were collected and recorded,including demographic information(age,sex),past medical history(hypertension,diabetes mellitus,hyperlipidemia,coronary heart disease,atrial fibrillation),smoking history,alcohol consumption,baseline blood pressure,pre-onset modified Rankin scale(mRS),NIHSS scores at admission and during hospitalization(24 hours,48 hours,72 hours after admission),motor component subscore of the NIHSS scores,NIHSS scores at discharge,trial of Org 10172 in acute stroke treatment(TOAST)classification,laboratory indicators(fasting blood glucose,hemoglobin A1c[HbA1c],total cholesterol,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein,low-density lipoprotein),clinical treatment information(intravenous thrombolysis,mono antiplatelet therapy,dual antiplatelet therapy,anticoagulation therapy)and length of stay.The status of stenosis and occlusion in the culprit vessel were assessed based on imaging results.Mild-to-moderate stenosis was defined as a stenosis rate of 0%to 69%,severe stenosis as a stenosis rate of 70%to 99%,and occlusion as complete interruption of the supplying artery.END was defined as an increase in NIHSS score of ≥2 points from baseline within 72 hours after admission,combined with an increase of at least 1 point in the motor score compared to the score at admission.Prognosis was assessed via telephone follow-ups at 90-day after onset using mRS score,with an mRS score ≤ 2 indicating a favorable outcome and an mRS score>2 indicating a poor outcome.Variables with P<0.05 in the univariate analysis were incorporated into multivariate Logistic regression analysis to identify the independent risk factors for END in mAIS patients.A nomogram model was constructed,and calibration curves along with decision curve analysis were plotted to evaluate the model's goodness-of-fit and clinical utility.Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with poor 90-day functional outcome after mAIS.Results(1)A total of 826 patients were included,aged 33-94 years,with a median age of 67(57,76)years.There were 571 males and 255 females.The NIHSS score at admission ranged from 0 to 5,with a median NIHSS score at admission of 3(2,4).The NIHSS motor subscore at admission ranged from 0 to 5,with a median baseline NIHSS motor score of 2(0,2).Among them,119 patients(14.4%)were in the END group and 707 patients(85.6%)were included in the non-END group.At 90days after stroke,744 patients(90.1%)had a favorable outcome,while 82 patients(9.9%)had a poor outcome.(2)Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences between the END group and the non-END group in terms of HbA1c,fasting blood glucose,baseline NIHSS score,baseline NIHSS motor subscore,history of alcohol consumption,diabetes mellitus,culprit vessel stenosis and occlusion,and TOAST classification(all P<0.05).Statistically significant differences were observed between the favorable outcome group and the poor outcome group in HbA1c,fasting blood glucose,incidence of END,baseline NIHSS score,discharge NIHSS score,culprit vessel stenosis and occlusion,TOAST classification,and history of alcohol consumption(all P<0.05).(3)Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that mAIS patients with severe stenosis of the culprit vessel(OR,5.88,95%CI2.32-14.91,P<0.01),occlusion of the culprit vessel(OR,5.74,95%CI 2.25-14.62,P<0.01),history of alcohol consumption(OR,5.59,95%CI3.41-9.17,P<0.01),elevated HbA1c(OR,1.67,95%CI 1.35-2.08,P<0.01),and higher baseline NIHSS motor score(OR,1.43,95%CI 1.08-1.89,P=0.012)had an increased risk of END.A higher discharge NIHSS score(OR,2.59,95%CI 1.89-3.57,P<0.01)and the occurrence of END(OR,18.42,95%CI 5.13-66.18,P<0.01)were associated with poor 90-day functional outcome after mAIS.(4)The nomogram model constructed based on independent risk factors of END in mAIS patients demonstrated an AUC of 0.78(95%CI 0.73-0.83)for predicting END,with a sensitivity of 0.8 and a specificity of 0.7.The model showed good calibration,and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated good agreement between predicted and observed values(P=0.333).Decision curve analysis revealed that the model provided a high net benefit across a range of high-risk thresholds(0.1-0.7),suggesting its potential clinical utility.Conclusions Severe stenosis of the culprit vessel,occlusion of the culprit vessel,glycated hemoglobin levels,baseline NIHSS motor subscale scores,and history of alcohol consumption are independent risk factors for END in patients with mAIS.The nomogram model constructed based on these factors demonstrated good predictive performance.END and NIHSS scores at discharge are independent predictors of poor 90-day outcomes in patients with mAIS.
5.Prediction and Analysis of Quality Markers of Gongliuning Capsule Based on Fingerprint,Network Pharmacology and Content Determination
Nannan BA ; Zibin LI ; Xujiang ZHU ; Zhaohui GUO ; Ke ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(2):120-128
Objective To establish the UPLC fingerprint of 10 batches of Gongliuning capsule and the content determination methods of 10 main components;To conduct network pharmacological research;To provide scientific basis for predicting the quality marker of Gongliuning capsule.Methods UPLC-DAD technique was used to establish the fingerprint of different batches of Gongliuning capsule samples and obtain the complete chemical composition information of Gongliuning capsule.With the help of network pharmacological research techniques,the target of chemical components of Gongliuning capsule and related pathways screened from various databases were predicted and analyzed,and the protein interaction network and composition-target-pathway diagram were constructed to predict the effective components of Gongliuning capsule.Based on the obtained pharmacodynamic substances,the content determination method of Gongliuning capsule was established to evaluate the quality of Gongliuning capsule.Results The fingerprints of Gongliuning capsule identified 17 common peaks.Combined with network pharmacology method,the candidate chemical components were analyzed,10 core targets and 42 metabolic pathways were obtained.Based on the testability of components and the availability of reference substances,10 compounds with high contribution were selected for content determination.Methodological verification results showed that all the 10 compounds had good linear relationship(r2>0.999 4)in the detection range,with good precision,accuracy and stability.Conclusion The established UPLC fingerprint,network pharmacology and multiple component content determination methods are highly specific,accurate and reliable.Combined with chemical pattern recognition,they can be effectively used for quality control and quality marker prediction of Gongliuning capsules.
6.Association between malignant haematological diseases and frailty:a bidirectional Mendelian randomisation study
Mengying LI ; Jianyao LI ; Qingzhen FAN ; Meixiang KE ; Ruyi ZHOU ; Hong HU
Modern Clinical Nursing 2025;24(2):23-30
Objective To analyse and explore whether there is a causal association without confounding factors between malignant haematological diseases and frailty based on a bidirectional Mendelian randomisation(MR)analysis,and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical management of the frailty associated with malignant haematological diseases.Methods In December 2023,the IEU OpenGWAS database(https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk/)was searched to acquire the datasets in genome-wide association studies(GWAS)derived from non-overlapping multi-ethnic populations based on Mendelian Randomisation(MR)analysis.The bidirectional causal association was verified utilising the two-sample MR approach.Single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)of the frailty index(FI)(n=175,226),haematological malignancies(n=212,453),multiple myeloma/malignant plasmacytoma(n=218,792),and follicular lymphoma(n=181,278)were used as the study instruments.Results The analysis with the statistic inverse variance weighted method(IVW)showed that haematological malignancies(OR=1.00,95%CI:0.98-1.00,P=0.797),multiple myeloma/malignant plasma cell tumours(OR=1.00,95%CI 0.99~1.01,P=0.982),and follicular lymphoma(OR=1.00,95%CI:0.99~1.01,P=0.314)were not causally associated with genetically predicted FI.Similarly,FI was not significantly or causally correlated with haematological malignancies(OR=0.89,95%CI:0.25~3.12,P=0.861),multiple myeloma/malignant plasma cell tumours(OR=0.52,95%CI:0.00~3.13,P=0.473),and follicular lymphoma(OR=1.06,95%CI:0.00~5.19,P=0.944).Conclusion No causal relationship between the malignant haematological diseases and frailty was found in this study.It suggests that other factors might exist to cause the malignant haematological frailty.
7.Association between malignant haematological diseases and frailty:a bidirectional Mendelian randomisation study
Mengying LI ; Jianyao LI ; Qingzhen FAN ; Meixiang KE ; Ruyi ZHOU ; Hong HU
Modern Clinical Nursing 2025;24(2):23-30
Objective To analyse and explore whether there is a causal association without confounding factors between malignant haematological diseases and frailty based on a bidirectional Mendelian randomisation(MR)analysis,and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical management of the frailty associated with malignant haematological diseases.Methods In December 2023,the IEU OpenGWAS database(https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk/)was searched to acquire the datasets in genome-wide association studies(GWAS)derived from non-overlapping multi-ethnic populations based on Mendelian Randomisation(MR)analysis.The bidirectional causal association was verified utilising the two-sample MR approach.Single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)of the frailty index(FI)(n=175,226),haematological malignancies(n=212,453),multiple myeloma/malignant plasmacytoma(n=218,792),and follicular lymphoma(n=181,278)were used as the study instruments.Results The analysis with the statistic inverse variance weighted method(IVW)showed that haematological malignancies(OR=1.00,95%CI:0.98-1.00,P=0.797),multiple myeloma/malignant plasma cell tumours(OR=1.00,95%CI 0.99~1.01,P=0.982),and follicular lymphoma(OR=1.00,95%CI:0.99~1.01,P=0.314)were not causally associated with genetically predicted FI.Similarly,FI was not significantly or causally correlated with haematological malignancies(OR=0.89,95%CI:0.25~3.12,P=0.861),multiple myeloma/malignant plasma cell tumours(OR=0.52,95%CI:0.00~3.13,P=0.473),and follicular lymphoma(OR=1.06,95%CI:0.00~5.19,P=0.944).Conclusion No causal relationship between the malignant haematological diseases and frailty was found in this study.It suggests that other factors might exist to cause the malignant haematological frailty.
8.Clinical Study on Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy by Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Block Combined with Arc Edge Needle-Scalpel
Shuaigang DU ; Xuechang WANG ; Yingcun MA ; Xinxing WANG ; Ke LI ; Songli ZHOU ; Bin YANG ; Xuejian MA
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(8):2265-2273
Objective To observe the clinical effect of ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with arc edge needle-scalpel in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.Methods 160 cases were randomly divided into 4 groups from A to D,40 cases in each group.Group A was given nerve block,group B was given ultrasound-guided nerve block,group C was given arc edge needle-scalpel,and group D was given ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with arc edge needle-scalpel for 4 weeks.The McGill pain scale,cervical dysfunction index,cervical motion(angle of cervical left and right rotation,anterior flexion,posterior extension and lateral flexion),myoelectric-evoked potentiall(median nerve and ulnar nerve conduction velocity,latency),arterial blood flow velocity(average vertebral artery and basal artery flow velocity,end-diastolic blood flow velocity)were observed.The serum levels of neuron-specific enolase(NSE),β-endorphin(β-EP),lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(LpPLA2),6-ketoprostaglandin E1α(6-keto-PGE1α)were measured.The clinical efficacy and safety of each group were observed.Results The response rate in group D was taller than that in group A and group B significantly(χ2=6.605,P=0.013;χ2=4.073,P=0.044).Compared with the other three groups,the McGill pain,NDI,NSE,LpPLA2 and 6-keto-PGE1α in group D decreased significantly(P<0.05),the β-EP increased significantly(P<0.05),and the angles of left and right cervical rotation,anterior flexion,posterior extension and lateral flexion increased significantly(P<0.05),and median nerve and ulnar nerve conduction velocity,vertebral artery and basilar artery average blood flow velocity,end diastolic blood flow velocity increased significantly(P<0.05),and median nerve and ulnar nerve latency decreased significantly(P<0.05).The safety index of group D was higher than that in group A significantly(χ2=5.641,P=0.018).Conclusion Ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with arc edge needle-scalpel can relieve neck and shoulder pain,improve cervical spine function and reduce complications in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.
9.Clinical Study on Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy by Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Block Combined with Arc Edge Needle-Scalpel
Shuaigang DU ; Xuechang WANG ; Yingcun MA ; Xinxing WANG ; Ke LI ; Songli ZHOU ; Bin YANG ; Xuejian MA
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(8):2265-2273
Objective To observe the clinical effect of ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with arc edge needle-scalpel in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.Methods 160 cases were randomly divided into 4 groups from A to D,40 cases in each group.Group A was given nerve block,group B was given ultrasound-guided nerve block,group C was given arc edge needle-scalpel,and group D was given ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with arc edge needle-scalpel for 4 weeks.The McGill pain scale,cervical dysfunction index,cervical motion(angle of cervical left and right rotation,anterior flexion,posterior extension and lateral flexion),myoelectric-evoked potentiall(median nerve and ulnar nerve conduction velocity,latency),arterial blood flow velocity(average vertebral artery and basal artery flow velocity,end-diastolic blood flow velocity)were observed.The serum levels of neuron-specific enolase(NSE),β-endorphin(β-EP),lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(LpPLA2),6-ketoprostaglandin E1α(6-keto-PGE1α)were measured.The clinical efficacy and safety of each group were observed.Results The response rate in group D was taller than that in group A and group B significantly(χ2=6.605,P=0.013;χ2=4.073,P=0.044).Compared with the other three groups,the McGill pain,NDI,NSE,LpPLA2 and 6-keto-PGE1α in group D decreased significantly(P<0.05),the β-EP increased significantly(P<0.05),and the angles of left and right cervical rotation,anterior flexion,posterior extension and lateral flexion increased significantly(P<0.05),and median nerve and ulnar nerve conduction velocity,vertebral artery and basilar artery average blood flow velocity,end diastolic blood flow velocity increased significantly(P<0.05),and median nerve and ulnar nerve latency decreased significantly(P<0.05).The safety index of group D was higher than that in group A significantly(χ2=5.641,P=0.018).Conclusion Ultrasound-guided nerve block combined with arc edge needle-scalpel can relieve neck and shoulder pain,improve cervical spine function and reduce complications in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.
10.Research Advances in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Menstrual Migraine
Juan-juan AI ; Li ZHOU ; Zi-han LIU ; Ying CHEN ; Xu-ran ZHANG ; Ke-gang CAO
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(14):2391-2400
Menstrual migraine is a specific subtype of migraine unique to women,closely related to the menstrual cycle,characterized by periodic and intractable headaches,often accompanied by nausea,vomiting or photophobia and phonophobia,which seriously affects life and has a high degree of disability.Its pathogenesis is complex,involving multi-dimensional regulation such as estrogen fluctuations,neurovascular responses and genetic and environmental factors,but the specific mechanism has not been fully clarified.In recent years,with the increasing social attention to women's health,the clinical research demand for menstrual migraine has become increasingly urgent.Currently,modern medicine can alleviate symptoms through acute drug intervention(such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,triptans)and preventive treatment(such as beta-blockers,CGRP antagonists),but there are problems such as drug dependence and insufficient individualization.Traditional Chinese medicine,based on the"holistic concept"and"syndrome differentiation and treatment"theory,regulates the balance of qi,blood,yin and yang through therapies such as traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture,showing unique advantages in improving symptoms and preventing recurrence.The combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine can optimize the therapeutic effect and reduce side effects through synergistic effects,but the full-cycle prevention and treatment strategy still needs further exploration.This article systematically reviews the pathogenesis and research progress of treatment of menstrual migraine in traditional Chinese and Western medicine,emphasizes the interaction between hormone fluctuations and neurovascular responses,and proposes an individualized intervention plan based on the menstrual cycle,providing new ideas for clinical practice and reference directions for future research.

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